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Certified Kubernetes Application Developer | CKAD Exam 2025

 

🎯 What is CKAD?

The CKAD is a performance-based, online, proctored certification from CNCF & Linux Foundation. It validates your ability to design, build, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot container-native applications on Kubernetes.

🗓️ Exam Format & Logistics

  • Duration: 2 hours

  • Format: ~15–20 hands-on tasks in a CLI environment

  • Open-book: Only official Kubernetes documentation is accessible

  • Kubernetes Version: Typically within 4–8 weeks of the latest minor release; currently v1.32 

  • Passing Score: ~66% (~13/20 tasks) 

  • Cost: $445 (up from $295 as of Feb 2025) 

  • Retake Policy: One free retake included


🧠 Exam Domains & Weightings

DomainWeight
Application Design & Build20%
Application Deployment20%
Application Observability & Maintenance15%
Application Environment, Configuration & Security25%
Services & Networking20%

High‑value topics across domains now include CRDs, security contexts, init/ephemeral containers, Helm/Kustomize, RBAC basics, and ingress. blog.techiescamp.com+15cncf.io+15oreilly.com+15


🔧 Key Skills to Master

🏗️ Application Design & Build (20%)

🚀 Application Deployment (20%)

📈 Observability & Maintenance (15%)

🔐 Env Configuration & Security (25%)

🌐 Services & Networking (20%)


📚 Recommended Preparation

  1. The Kubernetes official docs – indispensable for exam-day reference training.linuxfoundation.org+12reddit.com+12oreilly.com+12

  2. Linux Foundation’s official CKAD course + THRIVE bundle (includes Killer.sh simulator) reddit.com+15training.linuxfoundation.org+15training.linuxfoundation.org+15

  3. Hands-on labs: Killer.sh mocks, Katacoda, KodeKloud reddit.com+4kodekloud.com+4medium.com+4

  4. Udemy by Mumshad Mannambeth or Sander van Vugt – popular with candidates reddit.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com+3

  5. Medium articles & community guides: CKAD practice tests, deep-dive tips


🎯 Real-World Insights (Reddit Feedback)

"Be very familiar with the kubernetes.io documentation. If something is missing from the docs they will add it to the question… The more comfortable you are with the docs, the better you will handle something that is not obvious." reddit.com

"Attempt the 2 free simulator mock exams… It will help you with exam nitty gritty like setting aliases, copy and paste…" reddit.com+1reddit.com+1


🗂️ Updated Topics You Must Know


🔑 Exam Day Strategy


💵 ROI & Certification Value

  • Certified for 3 years after passing cncf.io+1kodekloud.com+1

  • Salary boost of 15–25% over non-certified peers medium.com

  • Validates Kubernetes app-dev skills—ideal for developers, DevOps, SREs


✅ Action Plan Summary

  1. Enroll & schedule your exam

  2. Master exam domains—focus on new high-weight practical skills

  3. Practice thoroughly via simulator labs and timed mocks

  4. Tune up CLI efficiency (aliases, generators, kubectl explain)

  5. Simulate exam environment quirks ahead of time

  6. On exam day: move fast, refer to docs, flag hard tasks to return

  7. Use free retake if needed


In short: CKAD 2025 is a practical, CLI-focused challenge emphasizing real‑world app‑dev skills—deployments, security, packaging, and observability. With structured prep, hands‑on labs, and smart exam techniques, you can confidently pass and stand out in Kubernetes roles.

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